Cirque du Freak: The Manga, Vol. 1
by Darren Shan

    CIRQUE DU FREAK: THE MANGA, VOL. 1 by Darren Shan
    Illustrated by:  Takahiro Arai
    Category:  Manga/Comics/Pop Fiction
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 9+
    Release Date:  6/9/09
    Publisher:  Yen Press
    Reviewed by:  Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen
    Rating:  5 Stars


    Relive the first novel in the most action-packed, fast-paced thriller of a series ever to rule the human and vampire
    world with this newly published CIRQUE DU FREAK manga.

    The story surrounds Darren Shan, the infamous spider lover. On his way home one night he is given a flyer to a
    circus. Not just any other regular circus, however - this is the circus of freaks. Accompanied by his friend, Steve,
    Darren witnesses the most peculiar and amazing acts that no other circus has to offer.

    Among these acts are Larten Crepsley and his spider, Madam Octa. It was like love at first sight for Darren as the
    hypnotic and magnificent spider did her act.  Little did Darren know that Madam Octa and the brash decisions
    Darren himself would be making shortly would change his life forever.

    Darren’s world goes from circus of freaks to the underworld of vampires in a flash.

    Takahiro Arai’s art is extremely mesmerizing and helps the reader picture what the characters look like, or how they
    should look in the upcoming Cirque du Freak movie. Each manga will mirror each novel, and the manga is read in a
    true right-to-left fashion and even incorporates some Japanese, such as gokuku = gulp or hena = flop.

    The story itself may be old, but seeing it in this new light is refreshing and brings back memories of when I first read it
    in 7th grade.

    Open up your wallet, because once you read the manga, you are going to want to read the novel itself!